Outdoor forest kindergarten opens in Cape Neddick

CAPE NEDDICK — For more than a decade the White Pine Programs in Cape Neddick has offered outdoor-based education programs. This week, the center is introducing The Acorn Weevils, a Forest Kindergarten class held exclusively outdoors.

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By Lauren Mifsud

seacoastonline.com

By Lauren Mifsud

Posted Oct. 2, 2013 at 2:00 AM

By Lauren Mifsud
Posted Oct. 2, 2013 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

CAPE NEDDICK — For more than a decade the White Pine Programs in Cape Neddick has offered outdoor-based education programs. This week, the center is introducing The Acorn Weevils, a Forest Kindergarten class held exclusively outdoors.

"In the last five years or so there has been an increase in forest kindergartens and like programs nationally," said Annika Wisswaesser, a youth programs mentor at White Pine. "I would say this is a new trend but far from a fad."

Wisswaesser pointed to increased media coverage and scientific studies, many out of Europe, that link health and development benefits to participation in forest kindergartens.

"This program is held 100 percent outside in the natural world. At White Pine we believe that nothing matches the educational stimulation of nature itself," Wisswaesser said.

The program will be held on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and caters to children ages 4 to 6.

"We are teaching the same core skills that are covered at a traditional program but in what we feel is a more holistic approach. We engage the senses constantly and make space for exploration that frankly could not be facilitated indoors," Wisswaesser said.

A typical day for the students includes a morning song, a daily theme shared through storytelling, role-playing, and naturalist show and tell. The students are able to interact with the landscape, work on projects and enjoy some unstructured playtime.

Wisswaesser said that parents quickly see the benefits of an outdoor education for their children.

"You will notice it when you're at home, these skills and experiences are not just outdoor skills but life skills. When you go outside with your child you will be blown away by their knowledge of place — trees, plants and wildlife. They will have the confidence to climb a boulder, but also the physical know-how to do it safely," she said.

The Acorn Weevils program will run three seasons out of the year — rain or shine.

"I think being outside teaches everyone, not just children, how to take care of themselves," said Bronwen Melton, a youth program mentor at White Pine. "Children learn to tolerate discomfort, whether it be the feeling raindrops on their skin, having wet feet or even anxiety about spending all day outside instead of inside."

The primary goal of the mentors, typically two to a group of eight children, is to foster exploration while keeping the children warm, safe and ready to learn.

"Though we teach to develop their outdoor skills, we use our own skills to keep the children safe. One of the mentors' biggest tasks during (inclement weather0 is making sure the children stay warm so they can continue playing, exploring and experiencing," Wisswaesser said.

"Being outside ensures that there is always a stimulating, ever-changing environment to explore and think about," Melton said.

The program offers rolling admission. For more information or to register, visit WhitePinePrograms.org.